SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6631

BYSenate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Senators McCaslin and Smitherman)

Requiring that employers offer an alternative to a dental care assistance plan that limits providers.

Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6631 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators von Reichbauer, Chairman; West, Vice Chairman; Johnson, McCaslin, Moore, Smitherman.

Senate Staff:Walt Corneille (786-7416)

                  February 13, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Certain dental care plans include coverage for dental services only if the insured receives services from specified providers.  There is no requirement that an employer provide an alternative dental plan which allows employees to choose the dental care provider.

SUMMARY:

Public or private employers with more than 25 employees under coverage that offer a dental care assistance plan which limits the provider of dental care to those specified in the plan must make an alternative plan available to the employees. The alternative plan must allow employees to obtain dental care services from a provider of their choice.

The portion of the premium paid by the employer for the limiting plan must be comparable to, but no greater than, the portion paid by the employer for the other plan.

These requirements apply to agreements for dental care benefits entered into or renewed after January 1, 1989.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Mel Sorensen, Washington Physicians Service (con); Stuart Bender, Washington State Dental Association (pro); George D. Masten, SEIB; Joan Conner, Blue Cross; Curtis F. Smith, Washington State Dental Association (pro)